#MoversandShakers #AleciaFlemming #ALISA @alisasongbird #WhomYouKnow MOVERS and SHAKERS: Alecia Flemming also known as A'LISA Singer Extraordinaire Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know @GaroNazarianDDS #cosmopolitandental #loveyoursmile
Alecia Flemming, A'LISA
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Dr. Garo Nazarian is a Mover and Shaker, and was the first featured: http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/01/movers-and-shakers-dr-garo-nazarian-of.html
Dr. Nazarian, a graduate of Boston College and Columbia Dental School, opened Cosmopolitan Dental in 2006 and has grown his practice to over 2,000 patients. Peachy Deegan is proud to be the second ever. Cosmopolitan Dental strives to surpass all patients' expectations by catering to your dental needs while providing the utmost professional results. Cosmopolitan Dental has been recognized by America's Top Dentists and has earned both the Patients' choice award and the Doctors' choice award. Dr. Garo Nazarian is a proud member of the New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society and the American Dental Association. Cosmopolitan Dental loves to make you smile!
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From the municipality of Spanish Town, St. Catherine Jamaica, hails the talented Alecia Flemming (known professionally as A'Lisa). Born second of seven children to a farmer and a helper and like most great singers, A’Lisa started singing in church at around age twelve. She would sing at church concerts and events at her school to the applause and encouragement of people around her.
Her passion for music grew strong, and in 1998 she was one of the founding members of the popular gospel ensemble “Flames of Glory,” an all-girl quintet directed by one of Jamaica’s most talented musicologist, Owen Dalhouse. This experience gave her exposure to the world of gospel music while gaining experience on the stage. She traveled the length and breadth of the island with her group and has opened for Grammy-award-winning artists such as Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin and his choir.
Building on this success, A’Lisa felt she had to grow as a solo performer and in 2003, she embarked upon a solo career. A'Lisa moved to the northern side of the island to the dismay of her closely-knit family and eventually worked her way up in becoming one of the most popular performers on the coast. She has worked with all the major bands in all the major resorts in the tourism sector in Jamaica, resulting in her status as a consummate entertainer.
As time progressed, while A’Lisa championed the north coast, she wanted to spread her wings. She was excited when she was asked to perform at the “Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival” in Montego Bay a couple of times, where she opened for the likes of Patti LaBelle, James Ingram, John Legend, Lyfe Jennings, Shaggy and Morgan Heritage. A’Lisa works really hard and has become a force to be reckoned with, a versatile performer as she soothes you with beautiful Jazz, Gospel and R&B and still rocks you with Pop, Reggae, Soca and Dance Hall.
With much determination, A’Lisa is poised to follow the path of her favorite singers whom she named as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and a host of others. She is currently working on her album while traveling to different countries to promote her talent. In 2016, A’Lisa participated in The World Championships of Performing Arts and walked away with six medals: three gold and three silver. With all A’Lisa has going on in her career, she is a dedicated single mom and is very involved in her family. A’lisa always says the best is yet to come and we’d quite concur. While shopping in Lord and Taylor, Peachy Deegan heard someone singing “Simply the Best” even better than Tina Turner (sorry Tina), and she just had to find out who it was! We are absolutely thrilled to present Alecia Flemming as our newest Mover and Shaker. Peachy interviewed Alecia for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan:
What is your first musical memory?
Alecia Flemming:
My first musical memory was at about ten years old being a very mischievous child and after one of my little mischievous adventures, my Sabbath school teacher heard me singing and my punishment was to sing the same song to the entire church audience, I was terrified but I did and was surprised when everyone applauded.
How did you end up singing at Lord and Taylor?
One of my dearest friends and supporter of my talent, who was instrumental in getting me started as a solo performer on the north coast, "Leroy Williams” is employed to Lord and Tailor; he asked’’ me to come and share my talent and I was happy to.
How did you come to be known by A’Lisa professionally is there a story behind it?
The name was given by my same friend Leroy Williams who was then my manager; he thought it had a ring to it but at first it was just mispelt because my original name is Alecia.
Does Flames of Glory still sing together?
No, the group broke up after one of our members died suddenly; it became too painful for us to continue.
What do you enjoy singing the most and why?
I enjoy singing gospel music the most because it feels like my roots: it's a part of me.
Where do you enjoy singing the most and why?
I enjoy singing at school events for kids because I can read their emotions easily and I love to see how excited they get and it makes me happy to make them smile.
What makes a great singer?
The ability to put your emotions in any given song to give it the treatment needed makes a great singer.
Please explain Soca and Dance Hall to our readers.
Dance Hall music is a popular music that was created in my country, Jamaica. It’s a faster pace to reggae music, it's mesmerizing and will really move you. It has influenced a lot of different music globally and has been adapted by many different cultures. Soca was originated in Trinidad I think but it has captivated the entire Caribbean and is loved around the world.
Do you play any musical instruments and if so, which ones?
I do not professionally play an instrument as of yet, but it is my intention to get there as I already started learning the piano.
What do you think of music reality shows such as The Voice?
I think music reality shows such as the voice are a platform for talented singers to be discovered. I think it’s a great way to show the world your talent.
How much of success in the music business is reliant on talent alone?
I always say to be successful, the talent is about thirty percent and the rest is attitude and opportunity.
Do you write your own music and lyrics?
Yes, I do write my own songs. I have been writing for a while and you will see some of my work in my upcoming album.
If you were stranded on a desert island with five albums to listen to, what would they be and why?
There are so many wonderful albums out there but if I had to choose five it would be, Whitney Houston’s debut album, Aretha Franklin’s lady soul, Stevie Wonder’s songs in the key of life, Bob Marley’s legend and Lauren hill’s miseducation. I love these albums because it’s a mixture of what I’m trying to do as an artist. The impact they have on me is the impact I want people to have from my music.
If you were stranded on a subway car in Manhattan and the MTA paid you to sing to the car, what would you sing and why?
I would sing “Many rivers to cross" by Jimmy Cliff because it’s one of those songs you think about on a long journey.
If you could have any record company sign you, who would be your first choice and why (and record companies, you ought to listen to her!)
Today I would say RCA records with Peter Edge because I believe he has the vision to mold my talent, based on the careers of Jasmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys and many more.
Of the acts you have opened for, which have impressed you most personally and professionally and why?
Personally, I was impressed by Lyfe Jennings at the Air Jamaica Jazz and blues festival because he not only performed but he also conducted a workshop where musicians could learn from his experience about the industry; I thought that was awesome because many artists are not as invested in the youths.
I
was most impressed by Patti Labelle professionally because of her command of the stage and her charisma.
What should everyone know about Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of the most culturally rich places on earth and also possesses a wealth of talented, happy people.
Have you met or do you know our friend Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson? http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/06/movers-and-shakers-ambassador-brenda-la.html#.W8eZIktKg2w
No, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her but I hope I will on my next trip to Manhattan. I will also use the opportunity to read about her too.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I grew up in one of the poorest communities in Jamaica and from a young age I knew there had to be more to life than what I’ve seen; this influenced me to pursue excellence because I knew it was my only way out.
What are you proudest of and why?
My proudest moment in my career is performing at my eight-year-old daughter’s school. She came back stage and said “Mommy I want to sing just like you when I get big."
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I would love to finish my album and go on a world tour to promote it.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I entered the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2015 and received three gold medals and three silver medals.
What one word best describes you and why?
The word that describes me the most is “Resilient.”
This is because I have been through a lot of bumps and road blocks in my career and personal life that would make most people give up but not me because of my resilience.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
I take my sense of identity from my Jamaican culture.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan? And Jamaica?
My favorite place to be in Jamaica is on the beach; there is something calming and relaxing about the ocean: that’s where I go to unwind.
In Manhattan my favorite place is The Village Underground. I love listening to live music and watching the different talents and sometimes share my talent as well.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan? And Jamaica?
My favorite shop in Jamaica is a little store called The MK Mart in Ocho Rios Jamaica, they stock all my beauty supplies for a bargain.
My favorite shop in Manhattan is The Top Shop, the items there are trendy and comfortable and reasonably priced.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
I would hire Rickey Minor. He was Whitney Houston's musical director.
They both had the right chemistry that it took to make beautiful music that resonated over the years.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is Red Moscato.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
I remember the heal of my shoe got stuck in a crack in the floor and I stepped out of my shoe to the laughter of my friends.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan? And Jamaica?
My favorite restaurant in Manhattan is “Negril” I love their authentic Caribbean dishes. My favorite restaurant in Jamaica is Sharkies; they serve arguably the best seafood in Jamaica and I’m a seafood lover.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature? And Jamaica?
My favorite character in Manhattan is Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City and my favorite character in Jamaica is the late Miss Louis Bennett.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I would love to be the Prime Minister of my country for a day because I know there are some things I could have done differently, especially when it comes to preserving our culture.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why? And Jamaica?
In Manhattan I would have the Apollo Theatre named after me because it’s my dream to perform there to an audience that came there to see me.
In Jamaica I would love my primary school to be named after me because I will make it my duty to be apart of mentoring the young talents there and raise funds to upgrade their music program.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience? And Jamaica?
I cannot think of an athletic experience in Manhattan except walking about twenty blocks to shop but in Jamaica I used to be on the track and field team back in high school and I remember doing the cross-country race and coming fifth place of about a hundred kids.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else? And Jamaica?
My favorite thing to do in Manhattan is to walk the streets and see people from so many different nations and back ground at the same time, I believe Manhattan is the melting pot of many nations.
My favorite thing to do in Jamaica visiting my dad in the country. That part of the island is the most beautiful and untouched from the view of the mountainside to the natural streams and the exotic fruits that fall from the trees.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Oprah Winfrey. I would ask her for valuable tips on how she worked hard and became one of the most powerful women in the world.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience? And Jamaica?
My best musical experience in Manhattan was watching Cheryl Pepsi Riley perform live at The Village Underground.
My best musical experience in Jamaica was watching Air Supply perform live at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I have donated my talent to concerts and different events used to raise funds for childrens homes and infirmaries and I mentor young boys and girls from my community getting them involved in music and theater.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan? And Jamaica?
I think the musicians performing in the subway in Manhattan is the most underrated and the expensive stores are the most overrated.
In Jamaica our natural and organic foods are underrated and imported and goods are overrated.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
On WhomYouKnow.com my favorite column is the music column, #NewYorkNotes.
In this column, I enjoy the posts celebrating the late Jim Marshal who had maintained a career in music photography for fifty years capturing images in the different genres of music such as jazz,blues, rock and roll and country.
He also shot the legendary Johnny Cash’s Folsom and San Quentin.
The Grammy museum will be showcasing snapshots of MR Marshal’s body of work.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I would love Whom you know readers to know that I’m always evolving and I don’t think I have seen the best of me yet. I work hard every day to achieve it.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Here are my social media pages, I can be contacted here.
Email: aleciaflemming123@yahoo.com or alisashaw2006@gmail.com
Whatsapp#18768473239
